A modified Foley catheter transmits desired data to transducers that allow the measuring of intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate by healthcare providers on appropriate output devices. A method employs the catheter to indirectly measure intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate from within the maternal bladder or rectum, thereby allowing the healthcare professional to choose to monitor these fetal characteristics without committing the mother and fetus to childbirth and without the risks associated with intrauterine measuring methods.
|
9. A method for measuring heart rate of a fetus within a human patient comprising:
inserting a fetal heart rate sensor into either a bladder or a rectum of a human patient, said heart rate sensor being in communication with a heart rate transducer; securing said fetal heart rate sensor within said bladder or rectum, said heart rate transducer being in communication with an output device; and activating said fetal heart rate sensor to measure the heart rate of said fetus.
7. A method for measuring intrauterine pressure of a human patient having an amniotic sac comprising:
inserting a pressure sensor into either the bladder or the rectum of said human patient without rupturing said amniotic sac, said pressure sensor being in communication with a pressure transducer; securing said pressure sensor within said bladder or rectum, said pressure transducer being in communication with an output device; and activating said pressure sensor to measure intrauterine pressure.
1. An apparatus for detecting measurements within a human patient comprising:
an elongated flexible tube having an insertion end and a connection end; an inflatable balloon portion integral to a wall of said flexible tube, near said insertion end; a channel in said flexible tube having a distal end in communication with said balloon portion and a proximal end substantially adjacent to said connection end of said flexible tube, said proximal end having a connector attachable to either an inflating device or a pressure transducer, and said insertion end and flexible tube sized to be inserted through said human patient's urethra and into said human patient's bladder without causing damage to surrounding tissue; a pressure transducer connectable to said channel connector, said pressure transducer capable of measuring fluid pressure within said channel.
2. An apparatus for detecting measurements within a human patient comprising:
an elongated flexible tube having an insertion end and a connection end; an inflatable balloon portion integral to a wall of said flexible tube, near said insertion end; a channel in said flexible tube having a distal end in communication with said balloon portion and a proximal end substantially adjacent to said connection end of said flexible tube, said proximal end having a connector attachable to either an inflating device or a pressure transducer, and said insertion end and flexible tube sized to be inserted through said human patient's urethra and into said human patient's bladder without causing damage to surrounding tissue; a fetal heart rate sensor attached to said tube, near said tube insertion end; a lead connected to said fetal heart rate sensor extending from said fetal heart rate sensor to said tube access end, said lead connectable to a heart rate transducer.
4. The apparatus of
6. The apparatus of
8. The method of
inflating an inflatable balloon portion integral to a wall of an elongated flexible tube having an insertion end and a connection end, said balloon portion near said insertion end; determining said intrauterine pressure by reading the pressure applied to said pressure transducer, said pressure transducer attached to a proximal end of a channel in said tube having a distal end in communication with said balloon portion, said proximal end substantially adjacent to said connection end of said flexible tube.
10. The method of
an elongated flexible member having an insertion end and a connection end; said connection end having a connector attachable to said heart rate transducer; said insertion end and flexible member sized to be inserted into said bladder or rectum without causing damage to surrounding tissue.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Field of the Invention
Applicants' invention relates to a device for measuring intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate and method for same. More particularly, it relates to a device that employs a Foley-type urinary drainage catheter with a sensing member to measure pressure within the bladder or rectum and correlate the measured pressure to the pressure exerted within the patient's uterus. Additionally, a fetal heart rate sensing member at or near the tip of the catheter is used to measure fetal heart rate from within the maternal bladder or rectum.
2. Background Information
Electronic fetal monitoring is a mainstay of fetal surveillance before and during labor. Much of the analysis focuses on the fetal cardiac responses to various intrinsic and extrinsic provocations, including contractions. Electronic fetal monitoring can predict the absence of asphyxia with greater accuracy than other conventional techniques. Electronic fetal monitoring can improve prenatal outcome by reducing the risk of intrapartum stillbirth and low Apgar scores. It also facilities the physician's ability to diagnose potential abnormalities during labor and allows for early intervention, such as emergency cesarian sections.
Electronic fetal monitoring can employ several modalities. Two of the most common and helpful are measurements of the intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate. By monitoring the patterns of the fetus' heart rate in time with the intrauterine contractions, the physician can assess possible fetal distress.
Currently, uterine contractile events and fetal heart rate are monitored by external sensors or intrauterine devices. External monitors are safe and noninvasive, but are limited by their inability to assess intrauterine pressure intensity and are hampered by artifacts introduced through sensor placement and abdominal wall thickness. In contrast, internal monitoring provides the physician with more accurate monitoring but requires placement of a monitoring device within the uterus, and on many occasions, placement of a fetal scalp electrode. This type of device requires rupture of the amniotic sac for proper placement. Once the physician determines that internal electronic fetal heart monitoring is advisable, the physician must rupture the sac, irreversibly committing the fetus to delivery. Additionally, the placement and use of an intrauterine device carries risk of placental abruption, chorioamnionitis, fetal laceration, uterine laceration, umbilical cord laceration, and uterine perforation. If a fetal scalp electrode is used, the physician must insert the wire device into the scalp of the fetus which carries risk of fetal bradycardia as well as other risks of infection, bleeding, scarring, and injury.
Even without significant complications, the fetal scalp electrode and the intrauterine pressure catheter partially obstruct the cervical and vaginal canal after placement. The devices may, therefore, interfere with the delivery by their mere presence due to the health provider's hands, instruments, and the baby passing through these same canals.
It would also be advantageous for healthcare providers to be able to monitor the quality of maternal uterine contractions. All muscular activity involves electrical signals that can be detected, including the maternal uterus when contracting during childbirth. An analysis of these signals can provide the healthcare provider with valuable insight regarding the strength, duration, intensity, and change over time of contractions.
Thus, there is a need for a method and device for monitoring intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate that is more accurate than external devices but safer and less invasive than intrauterine device placement. Further, it is advantageous for the method to avoid placement of the device within the cervical or vaginal canals. Thus, the apparatus must be capable of providing the physician accurate information from a location other than the uterus, cervical canal or vaginal canal. Further, it is advantageous if the device were also capable of measuring the myoelectrical activity of the maternal uterus.
The present invention incorporates a modified Foley catheter that transmits desired data to transducers allowing monitoring of intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate by healthcare providers on appropriate output devices. The method of the present invention employs an apparatus to indirectly measure intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate from within the maternal bladder.
The present invention provides a novel apparatus that will permit the minimally invasive monitoring of a fetus for signs of distress before and during labor. Collected data will provide the physician with improved information to assist in the decision of whether to proceed with more invasive monitoring techniques or emergency procedures, including cesarean sections. Earlier monitoring and intervention may lead to a decrease in the rate of cerebral palsy due to hypoxic injuries sustained during delivery.
The present invention further provides:
a. a novel apparatus for accurately measuring intrauterine pressure, while alleviating the risks associated with conventional, intrauterine devices;
b. a novel apparatus for measuring fetal heart rate as it responds to stimuli, including uterine contractions;
c. a novel apparatus for measuring maternal, uterine myoelectrical signals;
d. a novel apparatus and method to allow the physician to monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate from within the maternal bladder without rupturing the amniotic sac and committing the fetus to delivery--allowing the physician to more liberally order such monitoring, not only at the time of delivery, but throughout pregnancy;
e. a novel apparatus and method to allow said measuring with minimal or no obstruction of the cervical and vaginal canals--allowing the physician to work without the interference of wires and/or catheters;
f. a novel method for accurately measuring intrauterine pressures and contractions, including frequency, intensity, and duration of the contractions from the maternal bladder;
g. a novel method for obtaining maternal uterine electromyographic data to better delineate the quality of uterine contractions; and
h. a novel method for accurately measuring fetal heart rate simultaneously with measuring uterine pressure and using the same apparatus.
In order to solve the difficulties presented in attempting to obtain these features, a modified Foley catheter and transducer apparatus has been developed which is designed for insertion in the bladder or rectum.
Specifically, the present invention provides for a method and device for indirect monitoring of intrauterine pressure by using direct pressure measurements within the maternal bladder. Simultaneously, the present invention is capable of measuring the heart rate of the intrauterine fetus. Pressure changes within the uterus have corresponding pressure changes in the maternal bladder. Thus, contractions occurring within the uterus are indirectly measurable within the bladder. The present invention employs a modified Foley-type catheter with an integral balloon near the insertion tip that may be filled with fluid. The catheter is inserted in the maternal bladder and the catheter balloon is filled with fluid, securing the insertion tip within the bladder. Urine within the bladder is drained through a drainage port and canal, allowing the tissue surrounding the bladder to collapse snugly against the balloon and insertion tip. In a first embodiment, the fluid filled balloon is in communication with a pressure transducer outside the patient's body via a continuous fluid channel. Thus, as contractions and other pressure changes occur within the uterus and the intraabdominal cavity, they are correspondingly exerted upon the pressure sensing member which indirectly measures intrauterine pressure. If the present invention employs the balloon as the pressure sensing member, pressure exerted in a mechanical fashion on the balloon is transmitted through a communicating, fluid-filled channel to a pressure transducer. An alternative embodiment of the present invention employs an electronic pressure sensor to measure pressure, in which case the resultant electronic signal is communicated along electric leads from the sensing member to the connectors.
The modified Foley catheter has fluid conduits molded into the tube wall material to provide a passage to inflate a balloon near the insertion end for anchoring the catheter in the body. The filled balloon anchors the catheter within the bladder or rectum due to its larger diameter compared to the diameter of the urethra or rectum.
An electrode, or microphone may be inserted or embedded in the catheter near the insertion end to serve as a fetal heart rate sensor. Electrode type sensors are sensitive to the electrical signals produced as the result of muscular activity. Thus, contractions of the fetus' heart produces an electrical signal that is measurable by the electrode type sensor. Alternatively, if an electrode is used, it will also serve to measure maternal, uterine myoelectrical signals. The choice by the healthcare provider to measure fetal heart rate or maternal, uterine myoelectrical signals is a matter of choosing the appropriate signal processing filter to isolate the desired signal. An electronic lead incorporated into the catheter and attached to the heart rate sensor would provide communication to connection end. Alternatively, a Doppler ultrasound probe may be inserted through the catheter utilizing the catheter as a sterile sheath. External transducers and output devices such as monitors or printers, may be connected to the connection end of the catheter and provide for monitoring by the healthcare provider.
The catheter is generally inserted through the urethra into the bladder of the patient, but can be inserted into the rectum as well. Inflation of the balloon anchors the insertion end of the catheter in the bladder and/or rectum. The catheter contains a drainage channel that is open at the insertion end and allows for complete drainage of the bladder.
Pressure changes within the bladder correlate with strong statistical significance to the changes in intrauterine pressures. During pregnancy, contractions and other intrauterine pressure changes are transmitted through the intraabdominal cavity and onto the pressure sensing member of the present invention. When the inflated balloon is being used as the pressure sensor, the fluid channel that allows for inflation of the balloon can be connected to a pressure transducer to measure the mechanical pressure changes on the balloon and convert the pressure changes into numerical measurements that are interpretable by the physician. These pressure measurements correlate with the frequency, strength and length of contractions during labor.
Alternatively, other pressure measuring members may be utilized, such as using a pressure transducer to measure pressure in place of the filled balloon and fluid filled channel. The transducer provides pressure measurements via electrical communication with appropriate output devices. Generally, if a pressure transducer is used, the balloon will be used solely for anchoring purposes. However, should it be desirable, the pressure transducer may be used in combination with the pressure sensing balloon, such that two (2) pressure readings are obtained. The pressure transducer may be located at or near the insertion end of the catheter, or within the balloon itself.
In order to monitor fetal heart sounds and/or rate, an electrode, Doppler ultrasound probe, or microphone apparatus may be implanted or inserted in the catheter wall or lumen at or near the insertion end of the catheter. This places the measuring device or electrode within the maternal bladder, in close proximity to the fetus lying within the uterus. The signal from the fetal heart sensing device may be digitally processed to augment fetal heart signals and/or heart sounds while diminishing or eliminating unwanted signals and sounds such as the maternal electrical signals and/or maternal heart sounds. Alternatively, the signal processing may focus upon maternal myoelectric uterine activity. These signals are then converted into measurable data that is meaningful to the healthcare provider.
The fetal heart monitoring member of the present invention can be configured in a number of ways consistent with the physical requirements of the invention. It may be reusable, and removably insertable in the catheter, or it may be built into the catheter and disposable. The sound sensor may be entirely within the catheter, exposed to catheter environment, or held within a balloon that can be filled with an acoustically enhancing medium.
The method of use of the present invention involves inserting the catheter insertion (distal) end through the mother's urethra into her bladder. The balloon is then inflated, anchoring the insertion tip within the bladder. Generally, urine is then drained from the bladder through the catheter, leaving the balloon and sensors in close contact with the bladder walls. At the connection (proximal) end of the catheter, the fluid filled channel is connected at its outlet end to a pressure transducer. Alternatively, if an internal pressure transducer is being employed, then electronic leads connect the transducer to outside monitoring devices. The fetal heart sensor is likewise connected via electronic leads to outside monitoring devices. Each transducer is attached to a chosen output device, for example a monitor or printer, and the physician is able to monitor the condition of the fetus. Alternatively, the physician would employ the same basic method, however inserting the catheter into the patient's rectum and securing the insertion (distal) end of the catheter at a desired position in the rectum or large intestine. It is possible that both the bladder and rectal methods may be used simultaneously.
Referring to the figures,
In order to measure fetal heart rate, a fetal heart rate sensor is used to measure the rate of the fetus' heart. In this first embodiment, a fetal heart rate electrode (28) is incorporated at or near the insertion end (18), and may be placed on the balloon (32). Like the pressure, the close proximity of the uterus allows fetal heart rate to be measured from the bladder (11) or rectum (13). The fetal heart rate electrode (28) measures electrical signals generated by the fetus' heart and is attached to a first electronic lead (40) connectable at a third connector (26) and in communication with a fetal heart rate transducer (36), which in turn communicates with an output device (30). There may be more than one fetal heart rate sensor incorporated within the catheter apparatus (12). If the healthcare provider desires to monitor the maternal, uterine myoelectrical signals, then the fetal heart rate electrode (28) could be used in combination with an appropriate signal filter to isolate the uterine signals.
In order to fill the balloon (32) with fluid (50), the user attaches an inflating device (not shown) to the second connector (24). Fluid (50) is pushed through the fluid filled channel (46), enters and expands the balloon (32). In the first embodiment of the present invention as shown in
Thus, the catheter apparatus (12) provides a sterile sheath for the Doppler ultrasound probe (64).
The drainage channel (44), fluid filled channel (46), and tube wall (48) are also shown.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.
Neal, Randall H., Neal, Richard C.
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 10004520, | Aug 26 2004 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter devices and methods |
| 10105070, | Nov 17 2014 | 3VO Medical, Inc. | Intrauterine access catheter for delivering and facilitating operation of a medical apparatus for assisting parturition |
| 10111680, | Aug 02 2002 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Therapeutic ultrasound system |
| 10130380, | Feb 26 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter apparatus |
| 10206595, | Nov 17 2014 | 3VO Medical, Inc. | Intrauterine balloon apparatus, system, and method for augmenting uterine birthing forces during parturition |
| 10206802, | Dec 17 2012 | BONE HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, INC | Wearable apparatus for the treatment or prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis, stimulating bone growth, preserving or improving bone mineral density, and inhibiting adipogenesis |
| 10285719, | Jan 20 2005 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Vibrational catheter devices and methods for making same |
| 10285727, | Nov 24 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Steerable ultrasound catheter |
| 10349964, | Sep 19 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Connector for securing ultrasound catheter to transducer |
| 10357263, | Jan 18 2012 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Vascular re-entry device |
| 10376272, | Aug 26 2002 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter for disrupting blood vessel obstructions |
| 10391275, | Nov 17 2015 | POTRERO MEDICAL, INC | Systems, devices and methods for draining and analyzing bodily fluids |
| 10406381, | Sep 23 2010 | Best Medical International, Inc. | Multi-balloon catheter for medical applications |
| 10485483, | Oct 17 2016 | SRS Medical Systems, LLC | Diagnostic drainage catheter assembly and methods |
| 10517538, | Sep 28 2014 | Potrero Medical, Inc. | Systems, devices and methods for sensing physiologic data and draining and analyzing bodily fluids |
| 10537712, | Nov 07 2006 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter having improved distal end |
| 10582983, | Feb 06 2017 | C. R. Bard, Inc.; C R BARD, INC | Ultrasonic endovascular catheter with a controllable sheath |
| 10631788, | Oct 17 2016 | SRS Medical Systems, LLC | Diagnostic drainage catheter assembly and methods |
| 10682151, | Aug 26 2004 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter devices and methods |
| 10722262, | Aug 02 2002 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Therapeutic ultrasound system |
| 10722679, | Sep 09 2010 | University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated | Context-sensitive flow interrupter and drainage outflow optimization system |
| 10758135, | Jul 09 2010 | Potrero Medical, Inc. | Method and apparatus for pressure measurement |
| 10758256, | Dec 22 2016 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Ultrasonic endovascular catheter |
| 10772998, | Jan 07 2014 | POTRERO MEDICAL, INC | Systems, devices and methods for draining and analyzing bodily fluids |
| 10799131, | Jun 03 2017 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring intrauterine pressure to protect the fallopian tubes |
| 10813589, | Jun 03 2017 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring uterine contraction pressure |
| 10835267, | Aug 02 2002 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter having protective feature against breakage |
| 10856754, | Nov 17 2014 | 3VO Medical, Inc. | Intrauterine balloon apparatus, system, and method for augmenting uterine birthing forces during parturition |
| 10925501, | Nov 17 2014 | 3VO Medical, Inc. | Intrauterine access catheter for delivering and facilitating operation of a medical apparatus for assisting parturition |
| 10952659, | Mar 07 2011 | Potrero Medical, Inc. | Sensing Foley catheter |
| 11026824, | Dec 17 2012 | BONE HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, INC | Wearable apparatus for the treatment or prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis, stimulating bone growth, preserving or improving bone mineral density, and inhibiting adipogenesis |
| 11045128, | Jun 03 2017 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring intra-abdominal pressure |
| 11045143, | Jun 03 2017 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter with connectable hub for monitoring pressure |
| 11065418, | Oct 17 2016 | SRS Medical Systems, LLC | Bladder storage anomaly assessment |
| 11103261, | Feb 26 2003 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter apparatus |
| 11109884, | Nov 24 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Steerable ultrasound catheter |
| 11185245, | Jun 03 2017 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring pressure for muscle compartment syndrome |
| 11191554, | Jan 18 2012 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Vascular re-entry device |
| 11219542, | Dec 17 2012 | BONE HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, INC | Wearable apparatus for the treatment or prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis, stimulating bone growth, preserving or improving bone mineral density, and inhibiting adipogenesis |
| 11229772, | Nov 07 2006 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter having improved distal end |
| 11241179, | Mar 07 2011 | TheraNova, LLC | Method of monitoring health status of a patient |
| 11344750, | Aug 02 2012 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter system |
| 11357951, | Nov 17 2015 | Potrero Medical, Inc. | Systems, devices and methods for draining and analyzing bodily fluids |
| 11426189, | Sep 19 2003 | Connector for securing ultrasound catheter to transducer | |
| 11510690, | Jan 20 2005 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Vibrational catheter devices and methods for making same |
| 11596726, | Dec 17 2016 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Ultrasound devices for removing clots from catheters and related methods |
| 11617543, | Dec 30 2019 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring pressure |
| 11633206, | Nov 23 2016 | C R BARD, INC | Catheter with retractable sheath and methods thereof |
| 11638624, | Feb 06 2017 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Ultrasonic endovascular catheter with a controllable sheath |
| 11672457, | Nov 24 2018 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring pressure |
| 11703365, | Jul 14 2020 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Automatic fluid flow system with push-button connection |
| 11730385, | Aug 08 2019 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Cable for use with pressure monitoring catheters |
| 11779263, | Feb 08 2019 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring intra-abdominal pressure for assessing preeclampsia |
| 11786169, | Nov 21 2016 | System, apparatus, and method for monitoring and assessing the level of fetal risk during labor | |
| 11793416, | Mar 27 2019 | System and method for child-bearing monitoring and assistance | |
| 11806262, | Dec 17 2012 | Bone Health Technologies, Inc. | Wearable apparatus for the treatment or prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis |
| 11832947, | Jun 03 2017 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC | Catheter for monitoring intra-abdominal pressure |
| 11877850, | Nov 17 2014 | 3VO Medical, Inc. | Intrauterine access catheter for delivering and facilitating operation of a medical apparatus for assisting parturition |
| 11883174, | Mar 07 2011 | Potrero Medical, Inc. | Sensing foley catheter |
| 11911160, | Aug 10 2018 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Automated urine output measurement systems and methods thereof |
| 11931151, | Dec 22 2020 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Automated urinary output measuring system |
| 11938277, | May 22 2018 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Catheterization system and methods for use thereof |
| 11963773, | Mar 07 2011 | TheraNova, LLC | Method of monitoring health status of a patient |
| 11969248, | Nov 24 2018 | Sentinel Medical Technologies, LLC. | Catheter for monitoring pressure |
| 11974849, | Nov 17 2014 | 3VO Medical, Inc. | Intrauterine balloon apparatus, system, and method for augmenting uterine birthing forces during parturition |
| 11980448, | Aug 28 2019 | GE Precision Healthcare LLC | Apparatus and methods of monitoring maternal and fetal heart rate |
| 12055249, | Jul 21 2020 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Automatic fluid flow system with retractable connection |
| 12083261, | Jun 05 2020 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Automated fluid output monitoring |
| 12171570, | Apr 16 2019 | GE Precisions Healthcare LLC; GE Precision Healthcare LLC | Multi-sensor patch |
| 6916283, | Jun 29 2001 | Ethicon, Inc | System and method for assessing urinary function |
| 6931276, | Apr 29 2002 | Method and device for use in micturition studies | |
| 6997884, | Jun 29 2001 | Ethicon, Inc | System and method for assessing urinary function |
| 7004899, | Jun 29 2001 | ETHICON INC | System and method for assessing urinary function |
| 7252631, | Jun 29 2001 | Ethicon, Inc | System and method for assessing detrusor instability |
| 7255673, | Jun 29 2001 | Ethicon, Inc | System and method for assessing urinary function |
| 7381190, | Mar 10 2003 | CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC | Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring urinary catheter |
| 7644722, | Mar 04 2003 | CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC | Medical valve and method to monitor intra-abdominal pressure |
| 7726328, | Mar 04 2003 | CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC | Medical valve and method to monitor intra-abdominal pressure |
| 7892181, | Mar 04 2003 | CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC | Apparatus for monitoring intra-abdominal pressure |
| 8052671, | Oct 11 2004 | CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC | Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring device and method |
| 8275451, | May 28 2004 | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC | Maternal-fetal monitoring system |
| 8292831, | Jan 16 2009 | CORTUS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | Method of measuring fetal head orientation, position, and velocity and providing feedback to mother and doctor |
| 8337411, | Jul 14 2005 | C R BARD, INC | Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring system |
| 8535237, | Oct 23 2007 | C R BARD, INC | Continuous intra-abdominal pressure monitoring system |
| 8679049, | Jun 12 2009 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Device and method for vascular re-entry |
| 8690819, | Aug 26 2002 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter for disrupting blood vessel obstructions |
| 8790291, | Aug 26 2004 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter devices and methods |
| 8956375, | Apr 08 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter devices and methods |
| 8961423, | Feb 26 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter apparatus |
| 9131860, | Dec 29 2008 | Identifying the level of fetal risk during labor | |
| 9265520, | Aug 02 2002 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Therapeutic ultrasound system |
| 9282984, | Apr 05 2006 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Therapeutic ultrasound system |
| 9381027, | Nov 24 2003 | Steerable ultrasound catheter | |
| 9402646, | Jun 12 2009 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Device and method for vascular re-entry |
| 9421024, | Nov 24 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Steerable ultrasound catheter |
| 9433433, | Sep 19 2003 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Connector for securing ultrasound catheter to transducer |
| 9504440, | Mar 15 2010 | The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc | Electronic catheter stethoscope |
| 9629643, | Nov 07 2006 | Flowcardia, Inc. | Ultrasound catheter having improved distal end |
| 9655555, | Mar 07 2011 | POTRERO MEDICAL, INC | Sensing foley catheter |
| 9662058, | Mar 07 2011 | POTRERO MEDICAL, INC | Sensing Foley catheter |
| 9782145, | Mar 15 2010 | University of South Florida | Electronic catheter stethoscope |
| 9962516, | Sep 09 2010 | University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated | Context-sensitive flow interrupter and drainage outflow optimization system |
| ER6659, | |||
| ER989, |
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 3326207, | |||
| 4063548, | Apr 07 1975 | BROWNE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC | Method and apparatus for micturition analysis |
| 4191196, | Jun 15 1976 | MICRO COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY, INC | Profilometry method and apparatus |
| 4901731, | Apr 27 1988 | Millar Instruments, Inc. | Single sensor pressure differential device |
| 5167237, | Jul 09 1991 | Long Island Jewish Medical Center | Apparatus for monitoring detrusor pressure exerted by a bladder |
| 5425362, | Jul 30 1993 | PROTHIA | Fetal sensor device |
| 5433216, | Jun 14 1993 | Instrumentarium Corp | Intra-abdominal pressure measurement apparatus and method |
| 5634459, | Nov 28 1989 | Corometrics Medical Systems, Inc. | Fetal probe |
| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Jul 23 2003 | LAW OFFICES OF PAT MALONEY, PC | WILLINGHAM, JR , JAMES E | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015918 | /0880 | |
| Jul 23 2003 | NEAL, RICHARD C | NEAL, RANDALL H | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015918 | /0882 | |
| Jul 23 2003 | LAW OFFICE OF PAT MALONEY, PC | MALONEY, PAT JR | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015918 | /0888 |
| Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
| Jan 06 2006 | M2551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Yr, Small Entity. |
| Jan 11 2010 | M2552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Yr, Small Entity. |
| Jan 09 2014 | M2553: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 12th Yr, Small Entity. |
| Date | Maintenance Schedule |
| Aug 13 2005 | 4 years fee payment window open |
| Feb 13 2006 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Aug 13 2006 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
| Aug 13 2008 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
| Aug 13 2009 | 8 years fee payment window open |
| Feb 13 2010 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Aug 13 2010 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
| Aug 13 2012 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
| Aug 13 2013 | 12 years fee payment window open |
| Feb 13 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Aug 13 2014 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
| Aug 13 2016 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |